Living in Australia after graduation For those interested in permanent residency, Alice Allan explains how studying in the country can be a first step. If you’re interested in living in Australia permanently, then studying in an Australian institution can be your first step. Australia has skills shortages in certain areas. When you graduate with a qualifi cation in one of those areas, you increase your chances of gaining residency, a career and a future in Australia. Australia’s visa and migration program is run by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. You must apply to stay in Australia if you want to work and live in the country after graduation. There is a range of temporary and permanent residency visas, including sponsorship by an employer and the general skilled migration program. Australia’s General Skilled Migration program International students can apply for permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration program. These visas are for people who have recently graduated with an Australian qualifi cation or have skilled work experience and are not sponsored by an employer. Australia has a shortage of skilled workers in certain areas and the program favours graduates with qualifi cations in those areas. If you’re interested in living in Australia permanently, then studying in an Australian institution can be your first step. 100 To apply for a permanent residency visa through the General Skilled Migration program, you must first meet four main requirements. 1. You must be between 18 and 45 years of age. 2. You need to have an IELTS test score of 5.0 or above. 3. You must have completed a recognised Australian qualifi cation as a result of at least two years of study within the last six months. 4. Your skills and qualifi cations must relate to a job that is part of the Skilled Occupation List (explained on page 102). Applying for a residence visa involves passing a points test. Points are allocated based on factors such as age, IELTS test score, work experience and job qualifi cations. The number of points needed to gain a permanent residency visa is called the pass mark. It is important to remember that the pass mark can change with the needs of the Australian labour market. Find out more Department of Immigration and Citizenship – www.immi.gov.au/immigration General Skilled Migration program – www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/ Doctors and nurses – www.immi.gov.au/skilled/medical-practitioners/ Skilled Occupation List – www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf APPLICATIONS AND VISAS >